American Eskimo Dog
Also known as Eskie
- Height at the withers
- 23 to 48 cm
- Weight
- 3 to 16 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A compact spitz-type companion dog with a dense white double coat, black lips, nose and eye rims, a wedge-shaped head and a plumed tail carried over the back. It comes in three sizes (toy, miniature and standard) and stands out for its bright, alert expression.
History and origins
Descended from the white German Spitz dogs brought to the United States by German immigrants. During World War I, anti-German sentiment led to the breed being renamed “American Eskimo.” A circus star in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was recognized by the AKC in 1995, but not by the FCI.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Diabetes mellitus
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Very heavy shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
American Eskimo Dog FAQ
How big does the American Eskimo Dog get?
The American Eskimo Dog stands 23 to 48 cm at the withers and weighs 3 to 16 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the American Eskimo Dog shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs a lot of care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the American Eskimo Dog live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the American Eskimo Dog need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the American Eskimo Dog good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the American Eskimo Dog live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
